Getaway car bursts into flames after jewellery store robbery

A getaway car burst into flames and was abandoned moments after a raid on a jewellers in Athenaeum Street, Sunderland. 

During the robbery, which happened just before 10am on Tuesday January 20, an unknown quantity of cash and jewellery was taken, with one member of staff suffering minor injuries.

It is believe the offenders, who are described as wearing dark clothing and were not armed, made off in a silver Mazda MX5 which was later found abandoned on Sheepfolds Industrial Estate.

Northumbria Police have announced that extra officers have been placed in the area to offer reassurance and carry out enquiries.

Dave English, detective inspector at Northumbria Police, said: “We’re keen to speak to anyone who may have seen it being driven from the Athenaeum Street to the industrial estate which would’ve been around 10am on Tuesday. We are also interested in hearing from anyone who saw the vehicle or anything suspicious before the robbery.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Northumbria Police on 101 ext 69191 quoting reference 285 200115 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.